Why do cell phones have accelerometers?

Accelerometer data is processed along with gyroscope and magnometer data to determine the phones movement and orientation in space. The three sensors are often combined in one unit called an IMU. read more

The pressure sensors are in known locations on the phone, so the phone knows the same side of the phone as sensor with the most pressure is facing down. When the phone is put in motion from a stationary state, this is acceleration. read more

Accelerometers are devices that can measure acceleration, but in smartphones, they're able to detect changes in orientation and tell the screen to rotate. Basically, it knows up from down. Even though they're one of the most important smartphone features, we barely notice them. read more

Before we can say what the accelerometer of the iPhone does, we need to understand the basics of what an accelerometer does in general. The accelerometer is a device that can measure the force of acceleration, whether caused by gravity or by movement. An accelerometer can therefore measure the speed of movement of an object it is attached to. This is the job of the accelerometer in the Nike + iPod used in running shoes. read more